Israeli Settlers Set Fire to West Bank Mosque in Devastating Attack

Israeli Settler Attack on West Bank Mosque Sparks Global Outrage A devastating arson attack on the Hajja Hamida Mosque in the Palestinian village of Deir Istiya, near Salfit in the north of the West Bank, has left the international community reeling. Israeli settlers set fire to the mosque around dawn on Thursday, local residents told Al Jazeera, causing significant damage and desecration. According to eyewitnesses, the attack occurred at approximately 6:00 am local time, with racist and anti-Palestinian slogans sprayed on the walls of the mosque. Copies of the Quran were also burned in the blaze. The incident has been condemned by Palestinian leaders, with President Mahmoud Abbas denouncing the attack as a "heinous crime." The attack is the latest in a wave of intensified violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. In recent weeks, Israeli forces have killed several Palestinians, including three in Gaza on Wednesday, while settlers have carried out a string of attacks on Palestinian villages and towns. The Hajja Hamida Mosque is a revered place of worship in the Palestinian community, and its desecration has sent shockwaves across the globe. The international community has been quick to condemn the attack, with the United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, expressing his "deep concern" over the incident. The attack has also sparked widespread outrage on social media, with many calling for an end to the violence and for the international community to take action to protect Palestinian civilians. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the occupied West Bank, where Palestinian communities continue to face significant challenges and hardships. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is watching with growing concern. The United States, the European Union, and other international bodies have all condemned the attack, with many calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. In the aftermath of the attack, Palestinian leaders have vowed to take action to protect their communities and to hold those responsible accountable. The incident is a stark reminder of the need for a lasting and sustainable solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one that prioritizes the rights and dignity of all parties involved.